Date: Thu, 19 Jan 1995 15:27:56 -0600
From: debaron[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]UIUC.EDU
Subject: Re: 2 pl
I've argued on this list and elsewhere something very similar to what Edgar
is proposing, though it probably took second place to my question about
whether y'all could be singular.
You guys is definitely gaining as a 2nd person marked plural, distinguished
from a sg. restoring the lost thou/you at least in informal speech, and may
eventually even make inroads in y'all country. The interesting point is
that here we have yet another masculine generic developing, but in an era
when we have become much more sensitive to inclusivity and are backing away
from generic masculines in other contexts. A vocal minority opposes you
guys on grounds that it is sexist, but the voice of the people, that's
another thing, in't it?
dennis
--
Dennis Baron debaron[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]uiuc.edu
Department of English office: 217-333-2392
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